So many people sit down to relax with a cup of tea. We’ll tell you why! Not only does brewing a cup of tea help calm your mind, but there’s evidence that what you put IN your cup can also help you de-stress. Reduce stress and tension with a simple calming tea (recipe below!).
The Benefits of Typical Teas & Herbs
The following basic teas and herbs can help you unwind and relax.
- Green tea: If you are looking for some gentle energy while still being relaxed, green tea is your go-to! Green tea is a great mid-afternoon tea to help power you through your afternoon. Studies show it can help lower stress levels. It also contains an amino acid (l-theanine) that helps reduce anxiety.
- Chamomile: We’ve always thought of chamomile as a “sleepy-time” tea, but there’s science that shows it helps beat anxiety, too!
- Lemon balm: This lemon-scented herb is actually part of the mint family. Research shows it can activate a neurotransmitter that helps calm stress.
- Peppermint: Most people associate peppermint with being a pick-me-up, but science shows its scent might also help cut down on feelings of frustration and anxiety.
- Lavender: This herb has been used for centuries to help soothe nerves and promote sleep, and it can be a very soothing ingredient in tea.
That’s just a start. There are lots of other spices and herbs that can help calm you naturally, including turmeric (what can’t it do?!!!) and ashwagandha, an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Brew Your Own: DIY Stressbuster Tea
You can’t go wrong brewing a cup of any of the above teas, but you can kick the results up a notch by making your own blend! This tea recipe below will make you feel relaxed and gently energized. Note: you can mix and match herbs and teas. If you don’t have lavender, try some lemon balm or other relaxing herb. If you are going to drink this at night, skip the green tea to keep it decaf.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp green tea
- 1 tsp dried lavender blossoms (or lavender tea)
- 1 tsp dried chamomile blossoms (or chamomile tea)
- 3-4 cups water (heat till barely a boil)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions
Place your herbs/teas in a teapot, French press, or large mason jar. Add hot water, stir, and let steep for at least 5 minutes. Strain, pour into cups, add optional honey, and enjoy!
Note: To make this as an iced tea (my personal favorite way to drink tea), you can brew it double-strength, let it cool, and add ice cubes. Delish!
Stronger for Today,
The Method3 Fitness Team
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